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His brain constitutes only three of his frame’s 223 pounds, but Robert Kralle wields his northward weight so well that he could probably call on the resolute organ to devise a plan for world peace. Being a local leader, though, appeals more to the senior linebacker, who in one year at East Passyunk Crossing’s Edward Bok High School, 1901 S. Ninth St., has become an exemplary figure through making tackles, acing tests and performing community service.
His trilogy of activities has gained recognition beyond the institution’s confines, as the 18-year-old will join 59 other Pennsylvania players in accepting a Mini Max High School Award — presented by the Maxwell Football Club — Jan. 19 at Drexel Hill’s Drexelbrook Catering Ballroom.
In his first full year at Bok following last January’s transfer from Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., the resident of Seventh and Tasker streets enjoyed a wonderful end to autumn. He celebrated his birthday Dec. 9 yet received a surprise gift three days earlier when coach Frank “Roscoe” Natale informed his defense’s captain of the commendation. Also the site’s athletic director, Natale nominated Kralle for his devotion to making his teenage years exercises in upright practices.
“I had such an easy time recommending Robert,” the resident of the 1600 block of South Juniper Street said.
Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski serves as the president of the Maxwell Football Club, the 77-year-old Southampton-based entity that, along with promoting football and lauding its young participants, believes youths drive the nation’s future. Next week’s ceremony will mark its 27th occasion to praise eastern Pennsylvania prospects, with Jaworski and his colleagues selecting Kralle as one of six Philadelphia Public League recipients.
“I know the Maxwell Club’s reputation, so I was excited to learn of their choosing me,” Kralle said.
Natale submitted paperwork in November, keeping it a secret from his star ball stalker. The evaluators deemed Kralle a triple triumpher, but his humility has given him enough perspective to consider the award a communal token.
“I have had great role models, including my teammates, who made this year one big example of establishing and maintaining trust,” he said.
Initially nervous during spring practice, he allowed his loves for playing and making friends to establish bonds with his mates, especially his fellow defenders. Tireless pursuers of running backs and receivers, the Wildcats welcomed Kralle and his intensity. He used it to make immediate adjustments to his playing style, losing almost 25 pounds to be a quicker disruption for offenses.
“The environment here is so open,” the Passyunk Square inhabitant said of making the switch from a parochial school to a public one. “Someone’s mood can go from a minus to a plus so quickly.”
For his gridiron opponents, Kralle crafted a sour atmosphere they could rarely alter. Natale, in his first year as the sideline head, succeeded Tom DeFelice, who retired after 18 years and 129 victories, bringing an infatuation for harassing ambitious offensive coordinators. Kralle rewarded his mentor’s faith by registering a whopping 108 tackles and recovering six fumbles in 10 games.
“The guys played hard and developed into a unit, a family, so to speak,” Kralle said.
His secondary clan won nine of its contests, posting five shutouts and yielding only 76 points. It captured the Class AA title with a 22-19 victory over Imhotep Charter at the South Philadelphia super site, 10th and Bigler streets, and suffered its lone setback against West Catholic, which scored a 30-23 decision at the same location in the PIAA Class AA subregional semifinal.
“I appreciated the chance to captain these guys,” Kralle said. “Their passion, along with coach Natale’s wisdom, made the year that much more rewarding.
The workhorse soon will test his hurling abilities as a discus thrower for Bok’s track and field team, a title that will give the recruit another athletic accomplishment for his list of college courters to peruse. As he embarks on sporting novelty, he is maintaining his academic curiosity, the second element that won him a Mini Max Award. With his well-spoken nature, one could peg Kralle as an English buff, but history and science arrest his interest.
“I love seeing how today links with the past, and science helps me to explore the workings of everything,” he said, adding last year’s chemistry class with Natale bolstered admiration for his elder.
Natale beamed when highlighting how designating Kralle as a star in three concentrations will allow Maxwell to forge benefits for a trio of parties.
“In picking Robert, Maxwell is giving positive publicity to the Public League, South Philadelphia and Bok,” he said. “Robert is one of our best kids.”
Kralle looked sheepish when receiving kudos, but impressive grades and solid SAT scores have proven himself a classroom behemoth, too. He has committed to making the rest of the year a reflection of his plan to counter perceptions of inner-city youths as misguided.
“I have worked hard to maintain my mission to show that using time wisely yields good things,” he said.
Committed to changing minds, he also enjoys the idea of fixing their accompanying bodies. He plans to major in physical therapy, so his scientific inclination stands to intensify when he matriculates.
Shortly after graduation he will resume his community service at University City’s Philadelphia Urban Food and Fitness Alliance, the final component of his selection.
“I performed service there last summer,” Kralle said, “with an emphasis on helping communities to understand nutrition.”
He will revel in next week’s chance to mingle with noted players and takes pride in being South Philadelphia’s lone winner. Kin will join him, as will Natale and DeFelice.
“Uncle Frank and Uncle Tom,” Kralle said with a laugh.
Approaching the ceremony and commencement, he noted changes in himself from last year to this one.
“Everything has made a huge jump,” he said. “I’ve gone from a boy to a man.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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